SAFLA: Fuel shock underscores urgent need to fix South Africa’s logistics friction points
The South African Freight and Logistics Association (SAFLA) notes the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources’ confirmation of significant fuel price increases effective 1 April 2026, alongside short-term tax relief measures, announced with National Treasury.
On 31 March 2026, the Department confirmed sharp April fuel hikes driven by a surge in global oil prices and a weaker rand. The average Brent crude price rose from $69.08 to $93.67 over the review period, while the rand depreciated from R16.00 to R16.64 per US dollar. In response, government introduced a temporary R3.00/litre reduction in the general fuel levy from 1 April to 5 May 2026 as part of a joint relief package.
Even with this intervention, the April adjustments remain substantial: petrol increased by R3.06/litre, diesel (0.05%) by R7.37/litre, and diesel (0.005%) by R7.51/litre, with additional zone-level variation possible due to transport tariffs and octane differentials.
Using Department-published March wholesale pricing as a baseline, inland (Gauteng, Zone 9C) diesel 0.005% stood at R18.6023/litre as of 4 March 2026. Applying the national increase for scenario modelling suggests an implied April inland wholesale price of approximately R26.11/litre.
“These fuel movements are a loud and immediate reminder: when our corridors stall, the cost doesn’t just show up in delayed containers – it shows up in litres burned, in higher transport inflation, and in reduced competitiveness for South African trade,” SAFLA CEO Dave Logan said.
SAFLA reiterated its operator-led mandate to focus on measurable improvements at the “coalface” of trade: border delays, permit duplication and valuation disputes, with direct engagement planned with SARS, Transnet, the Border Management Authority and other controlling authorities impacting freight movement.
SAFLA called for accelerated, data-driven interventions at key corridors and ports to reduce dwell times and improve predictability – steps that can lower fuel burn and stabilise the cost of moving goods.
